How to find a power wheelchair for free or reduced price
Purchasing a power wheelchair for seniors can be expensive, which is why there are several alternative options such as buying a used, low-cost power wheelchair getting a donated durable medical device free of charge, or simply checking in with your insurance provider to see if they can cover part of the cost.
The price of power wheelchairs can start from $1,500 and up, depending on the capabilities and features of the Carbon fiber electric wheelchair. This is why doing research on donated or used wheelchairs is important if you would like to save money and time searching for new wheelchairs.
Where can you find a partially reduced or donated wheelchair?
You have the option to find low-cost or donated wheelchairs depending on your mobility needs for you or a loved one. Some of the places and insurance providers you might want to consider include Medicare/Medicaid, nonprofits, and local community-based organizations.
Medicare/Medicaid
According to Karman Healthcare, Medicare will pay 80 percent of the retail price of a manual or power wheelchair. You'd have to pay the remaining 20 percent out of pocket. You can also look into leasing or rental options for a wheelchair for a few months if that's a better financial plan for you and your loved ones.
Additionally, if you have Medicaid, they may pick up the cost for a motorized wheelchair if an individual shows a medical need and meets certain criteria.
If you have other insurance, you might want to check with your healthcare provider to see if medical equipment is partially or fully covered, or whether they can pick up part of the expense.
Nonprofits
There are also volunteer-led non-profits such as the F.R.E.E. Foundation which provides mobility rehabilitation equipment to help people regain their mobility and independence.
According to their online website, the F.R.E.E. Foundation works to repair, sanitize, and collect a variety of mobility equipment for individuals who are either uninsured or underinsured in Virginia. According to their non-profit statistics, 94 percent of those who received donations reported having greater independence, and 97 percent reported that they had the ability to stay at home with help from mobility equipment from the organization.
Keep in mind that if a request for medical equipment is valued at over $500.00, an individual is then required to submit a Letter of Medical Necessity written by a physician before proceeding with the application for donated medical equipment.
Other nonprofits include the Wheelchair Society, which takes donated medical equipment and distributes it free of charge to those who need it in the Washington area.
The Wheelchair Foundation has donated over a million wheelchairs in an effort to give individuals better access and mobility options. They have a helpful list of other nonprofits that can help.
Other Interactive and Helpful Sites
Pass it On Center also has a helpful interactive map featuring local listings and places that have reuse locations and programs for the community. The types of equipment are categorized by vision, hearing, mobility, and more.
How to Do Your Part and Donate a Used Wheelchair
If you're looking to get rid of your power wheelchair and are hoping to do your part by recycling old parts, you can consider sending them to Goodwill Home Medical Equipment, which carries affordable refurbished home medical equipment. If you are a donor, you can receive receipts for tax purposes and as a charitable deduction.
ReCares is another organization that accepts donations of durable medical equipment and supplies in the San Francisco Bay Area. Reduce the carbon footprint and donate your used wheelchair supplies or wheelchairs.
Consider listing your used medical equipment on the DME List, where you can give or receive medical equipment. There is no cost to register, and it gives you access to listings.
All in all, there are a lot of great websites to look at if you are looking to find a power wheelchair for a low cost. Look into nonprofits in your local area to see if they carry donated medical equipment for your mobility needs.
